A Bellanca 7GCBC pilot was advised by the Tower that his tail wheel tow bar was still attached; he returned for a safe landing.

Narrative

Departed [and] climbing through 500 FT; was advised by the Tower that it looked like a tow bar was hanging from the tail wheel. Flew the airplane to an uneventful landing; taxied to ramp and removed tow bar from tail wheel. Fatigue and complacency led to my not removing the tail wheel tow bar prior to departing. I flew the aircraft early in the morning. [I] worked the entire day prior to my late afternoon departure; performed my departure pre-flight well before my departure time. I had towed the aircraft by hand earlier in the day to where it was parked on the ramp and backed it into a corner. I did a very cursory inspection prior to start up; checked fuel and oil levels once again; removed the chocks and hopped in. I missed the tail wheel tow bar lying on the ground. The aircraft is usually kept in a hangar. My routine is to pre-flight the aircraft while in the hangar; tow it out by hand; stow the tow bar and climb in. I am very appreciative to the Tower Controller for noticing the tow bar. My biggest fear was that it would fall off and injure someone on the ground. I flew the aircraft as slowly as possible and avoided overflying any homes while returning to land. Moral of the story; don't ever be complacent and be extra vigilant after a long day.